44 mag deer load

[cecil30-30]

I just acquired a marlin 1894 in 44 mag. Plan on making it a woods deer gun. Going to put a low profile red dot on it. Apparently 44mag ammo is still hard to find and when you do find it, it is pricey. I found some Hornady 200gr xtp decently priced. I was hoping to find some 240gr stuff. Any experience with the 200gr xtp on deer?

 

[BigRed1080]

I don't personally have any experience, but my grandfather killed a lot of deer with a 44 mag 220 grain. He use to buy it from the co-op counter so that should tell you how long ago it was lol.

 

[TNlandowner]

I once used my Ruger Blackhawk (10.5" bbl) with 240 XTP to take a deer at 110 yards. It did the job due to bullet placement through both lungs. I think you'll be ok with the 200 grain bullets. However, the 240 & 200 grain round lose a lot of energy past 75 yards. I now try to keep shots under 50 yards

 

[Billboy]

I've taken several deer with my 7.5" Ruger Redhawk using the 200 XTP and they all died within 50 yards. Ranges varied from 20-70 yards. Full penetration and nice exit wounds on all of them.

 

[cbhunter]

https://ammoseek.com/ammo/44-magnum/-handgun-240grains

I have no idea what a fair price is on 44mag ammo since i don't own one but here is some listings of 240g

 

[tnanh]

I was talking to some guys at the gun shop a couple of months ago and they both shoot white box Winchester in their 44 mags. Its 240 grain jacketed soft point. I have the same gun as you do and mine surprised me with the groups it shot with Hornady 240 grain xtp. 1 inch groups at 75 yards but have not shot a deer with it yet.

 

[Deer Assassin]

personally don't care for 200 grain

240
265 ftp ************************** my favorite

 

[cecil30-30]

I'm going to keep looking g for some 240gr xtp's that isn't crazy high.

 

[GOODWIN]

240xtp will knock em down. Never shot one with the 200s

 

[Lost Lake]

240 grain XTPs and H110 work well.